Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)

Sándor J. Farkas: The Dooe is always open

AN IMPORTANT ECUMENICAL DEVELOPMENT József Cardinal Mindszenty, the former head of the Roman Catholic Church in Hungary, came to the U.S. in the summer of 1974 to visit church communities. In Youngstown, he visited the home during the remodeling and blessed it. This symbolic visit, linked with the recognition that a large percentage of refugees from Eastern Europe were Roman Catholic, helped us recognize the importance of ecumenical service in this ministry. With the encouragement of Bishop James Malone, head of the local Catholic diocese, Catholic parishes were offered represen­tation on the Board and the local Franciscan community also provided generous financial support. As the Presbyterian partnership was essential in the early years, the ecumenical ties were equally important in the growth and continuation of this ministry. The dedicated Board makes sponsorship decisions, assists refugees, and has over­sight of the operation and maintenance of the home. THE VITAL INVOLVEMENT OF PRESBYTERY In addition to the support from five Presbyterian con­gregations and the ecumenical participation of three Catholic churches, the financial support of Eastminster Presbytery has been vitally important, and the refugee resettlement ministry is one of the major mission projects of Eastminster Presbytery. Resettlement Home Board members accept speaking engage­ments and present Minutes for Mission at worship services at any of the fifty-nine member organizations in the Presbytery. Sometimes residents of the home are introduced at Presbytery meetings as part of the reports of the Committee on Mission. This mission involvement hardly needs interpretation. We assist new arrivals in every aspect of beginning a new life with the spirit of Christ. THE IMPORTANCE OF A PERMANENT DWELLING AND VOLUNTEERS We feel compelled to stress the importance of the availa­bility of the home in a resettlement ministry. With four bed­rooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, dining room, two 134

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